🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

E39

Generation Name:

Fourth Generation

Platform:

E39

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Executive/Luxury Mid-size Sedan and Wagon

Brand Perception:

BMW's reputation for driving dynamics, build quality, and advanced technology.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210/W211), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS, Jaguar S-Type.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

High-quality interior materials, solid construction, and durable powertrains.

Technology:

Introduction of advanced features for its time, including GPS navigation, adaptive headlights, and enhanced electronic stability control.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Estimated Page Count:

Over 3000 pages (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

All engine variants (M52, M54, M62, S62), including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures. Cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (DISA, VANOS, Valvetronic where applicable), ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics and troubleshooting, sensor and actuator testing.

Transmission Manual:

GM 5-speed (e.g., 5L40-E) and ZF 5-speed (e.g., 5HP19, 5HP24) automatic transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and repair. Clutch operation and maintenance.

Transmission Automatic:

See transmission_manual.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, universal joints, differential overhaul and fluid changes, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, steering linkage, alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, hydraulic fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all models, fuse box locations, relay functions, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, mirrors, central locking.

Comfort Systems:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, climate control unit.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumper systems, underbody protection, chassis diagnostics.

Interior Trim:

Dashboard removal, seat mechanisms, headliner, door panels, center console.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, fault code interpretation, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), use of diagnostic tools (e.g., INPA, ISTA).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes, transmission fluid changes.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, steering system repairs, electrical component replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems, including symptom analysis and resolution.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing specific components such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, sensors, actuators, control modules, body modules, interior trim pieces.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.

Recalibration:

Procedures for recalibrating sensors and modules after component replacement (e.g., ABS sensors, steering angle sensors).

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and electrical schematics.

Diagnostic Tools Coverage:

Information on required diagnostic tools and their usage for advanced troubleshooting.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Specifications for critical clearances and tolerances (e.g., piston-to-wall, bearing clearances).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for easy navigation and information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

M52TU (2.5L, 2.8L Inline-6), M54 (2.2L, 2.5L, 3.0L Inline-6), M62TU (4.4L V8), S62 (4.9L V8 - M5).

Horsepower Range:

170 hp (2.5L M52) to 400 hp (S62 M5).

Torque Range:

245 Nm (2.5L M52) to 500 Nm (S62 M5).

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended).

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 - 11 liters (varies by engine).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed manual (Getrag 220, Getrag 420G) on most models.

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed automatic (GM 5L40-E, ZF 5HP19, ZF 5HP24) on most models.

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Dexron III/VI or BMW approved ATF (e.g., LT-2, LT-7, LT-8 depending on transmission).

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approximately 7.5 - 9 liters (varies by transmission).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4820 mm (Sedan).

Width:

Approximately 1770 mm.

Height:

Approximately 1440 mm.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2830 mm.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1550 - 1850 kg (varies by engine and equipment).

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approximately 520 liters.

Trunk Volume Touring:

Approximately 460-1650 liters (rear seats folded).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Likely 4-star or 5-star (check specific model year for exact ratings).

IIHS Front Offset Rating:

Likely Good (check specific model year for exact ratings).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Dsc:

Dynamic Stability Control (standard on most models, includes traction control).

Traction Control:

Standard, integrated with DSC.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon Adaptive headlights.

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side airbags, optional head protection airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX mounting points on rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD/RDS. Optional Hi-Fi or Logic 7 audio systems.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Business or Professional Navigation systems (MK III/IV CD-ROM based).

Climate Control:

Manual A/C, Automatic Climate Control (ACC), dual-zone climate control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on select models.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth preparation and mobile phone integration systems.

Telematics:

Optional BMW Assist telematics system for emergency services and vehicle assistance.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically 15,000-25,000 km or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Consult the manual for precise intervals based on oil condition sensor.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval M54:

Approximately 100,000 km (long-life spark plugs).

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 4-5 years or as per VSI system recommendations.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) compliant synthetic oil. Viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-30, depending on climate and engine. Consult manual for exact specification.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or an equivalent approved hydraulic fluid.

Differential Fluid:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5 specification, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank cracking, radiator leaks, water pump failure, thermostat issues, particularly with original plastic components.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks ('The "disa valve" on M54 engines can also cause oil ingress into the intake manifold if it fails').

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, rear subframe bushings ('Rear subframe mounting points can crack due to stress').

Electrical:

ABS/DSC sensor failures, alternator voltage regulator issues, headlight leveling sensor faults, OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation (especially pre-facelift models).

Engine M54 Specific:

Cracked intake manifold (DISA valve failure), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging leading to oil consumption and vacuum leaks.

Transmission Auto E39:

Valve body issues, torque converter problems, transmission cooler line leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, sporting sedans, and performance vehicles.

E39 Introduction:

Launched in 1995 (Europe) and 1997 (North America) as the successor to the E34 5 Series.

E39 Facelift:

Received a significant facelift in 2000, introducing updated engines (M54), new headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior refinements.

E39 Variants:

Offered as a Sedan (Saloon) and a Touring (Wagon). The high-performance M5 model (E39 M5) was introduced in 1998.

Production Years:

1995-2003 (Sedan), 1997-2004 (Touring).

Manufacturing Locations:

Main production facility in Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Award:

Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list multiple times (e.g., 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000).

Motor Trend Award:

MotorTrend Car of the Year contender, received positive reviews for its balance of luxury, performance, and technology.